Rewilded Gardens Sell for Top Dollar

Homeowners embracing 'rewilding' by creating native plant gardens are discovering a surprising advantage when selling their properties. Initially, some real estate agents find these naturalistic gardens appear unkempt, preferring traditional lawns and mulch. However, this perspective is shifting as buyers increasingly value these eco-friendly spaces.

Recent sales in areas like Silver Spring, Maryland, and Montclair, New Jersey, demonstrate this trend. One homeowner's native garden, initially a concern for his agent, became a key selling point, leading to an offer $20,000 over the list price. Another property in South Orange, New Jersey, featuring a native meadow and vegetable garden, sold for $1.75 million, $500,000 above asking.

These wild gardens, filled with native pollinators and supporting local wildlife, are not only attracting buyers but also commanding premium prices. This suggests a growing appreciation for sustainable landscaping in the real estate market, even as some new owners adapt these spaces to their own lifestyles.